The Inside Story Podcast

With Lebanon under fire, the UN chief visits Beirut, calling for peace. Israel's bombing campaign has displaced nearly a million people. Now, its troops are advancing and threatening to stay. So, what's the endgame?
In this episode:
Nadim Houry, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative
Maureen Philippon, Norwegian Refugee Council’s country director for Lebanon
Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-Chief of the Beirut-based news service, Mideastwire.com
Host: James Bays
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Does US President Donald Trump have an exit strategy for the war with Iran? He is reportedly under pressure to set a deadline. But with contradicting statements from his administration, when will this offensive end? And on what terms?
In this episode:
Adolfo Franco, U.S. Republican strategist and former adviser to U.S. Senator John McCain
Foad Izadi, Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran
Lawrence Wilkerson, Retired U.S. Army colonel and former Chief of Staff for U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell
Host: Sami Zeidan
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Europe is under pressure as the conflict in the Middle East continues, and is now competing with Asia for scarcer oil and gas supplies. Rocketing prices benefit Russia and weaken sanctions imposed for the war in Ukraine, with Europe wary of antagonising Donald Trump. How is the Iran war impacting all these?
In this episode:
Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe at The New York Times
Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on Russia and Eurasia
Alan Tonelson, Economist and founder of the RealityChek blog
Host: Imran Khan
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Iran has significant oil and gas reserves and is a major supplier to China. A member of the US president's inner circle says control of them is a key American aim. So how valuable are Iran's natural resources? And could they be a factor in US thinking?
In this episode:
Foad Izadi, Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran
Mohammad Reza Farzanegan, Professor of Middle East Economics at Marburg University
Paolo von Schirach, President of the Global Policy Institute, an independent think-tank
Host: Imran Khan
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Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei replaces his assassinated father. His selection sends a defiant message to the US and Israel as they attack the country. So, who is Iran's new leader, and what does his appointment mean?
In this episode:
Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran
Mehran Kamrava, Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar
Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC
Host: Tom McRae
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